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25th Anniversary Edition

International Physical Theatre Laboratory (IPTL 2025)

December 13-22, 2025 • Laubegg Castle, Austria 

Transform Your Artistic Practice Through Intensive Physical Training & Global Exchange

25

Years of Excellence

25

Max. Number of Participants

10

Days of Main Program

1

Certificate of Participation

A Laboratory Where Bodies Think and Ideas Move

What is IPTL?

The International Physical Theatre Laboratory isn't just training - it's a creative ecosystem where performers, directors, and movement artists push the boundaries of what theatre can be. For 25 years, IPTL has been the meeting point for artists seeking to revolutionize their practice through the body's intelligence.

​

This international program combines:

  • 5 days of intensive physical theatre lab (Dec 13-18)

  • 3 days of international performing arts conference (Dec 18-22)

  • Daily training with the renowned Ostrenko Brothers

  • Evening lectures, work in progress and creative workshops

  • International networking with artists from 30+ countries

​

Whether you're an actor seeking to expand your physical vocabulary, a dancer exploring theatrical narrative, or a director discovering new staging possibilities, IPTL provides the tools, community, and inspiration to transform your artistic practice.
 

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The Ostrenko Method

The Masters

Sergei & Gennadiy Ostrenko have developed a rigorous yet intuitive approach that blends Meyerhold’s “Biomechanics,” M. Chekhov’s “Psychological Gesture,” and Stanislavsky’s “Physical Action.” Drawing on over 40 years of international directing and teaching, their systematic methodology consistently unlocks a performer’s full expressive potential.

Sergei Ostrenko
Gennadiy Ostrenko _ Teacher _ NIPAI_edited_edited.jpg

International Physical Theatre Lab

Gallery and Videos

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For Artists Ready to Evolve

Who is this for?

Professional Performers

Actors, dancers, circus artists, and physical theatre practitioners seeking to expand their expressive range and discover new methodologies for creating compelling performances.

Directors & Choreographers

Visionaries looking to incorporate physical storytelling into their work, develop new staging approaches, and collaborate with international artists.

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Theatre Educators

Teachers and workshop leaders wanting to refresh their pedagogical toolkit with proven methodologies and earn international certification.

Advanced Students

Final-year students and recent graduates ready to bridge academic training with professional practice in an international context.

What You Could Find

Opportunities for Participants

✓ Practical skills

that immediately enhance performance

✓ International connections

for future collaborations

✓ Creative breakthrough

through intensive immersion

✓ Cultural exchange

with artists from diverse traditions

Special Note: All sessions conducted in English. Physical fitness required for intensive daily training.

schedule

Schedule Overview

Program Structure

Organizers reserve the right to make changes and add-ins to the schedule and program.

The official arrival day for the group is December 13 from 13:00. The first group meeting is at 17:00. The departure day is December 22 at 9:00. ​December 13: From 13:00 - Group arrival and check-in. 16:40-17:00 - Coordinator meets the group. Short tour around the Castle. 17:00-18:00 - First group meeting and introduction. 18:00-19:00 - Dinner. December 14, 15, 16, 17: 7:30-8:30 - Warm-Up. 8:30-9:30 - Breakfast. 10:00-13:00 - Practical training with the Ostrenko brothers. 13:00-14:00 - Lunch. 14:00-15:00 - Free time 15:00-18:00 - Practical training with the Ostrenko brothers. 18:00-19:00 - Dinner. 19:30-21:00 - Creative diary: evening lectures, discussions and creation. December 18: 7:30-8:30 - Warm-Up. 8:30-9:30 - Breakfast. 10:00-13:00 - Practical training with the Ostrenko brothers. 13:00-14:00 - Lunch. 14:00-15:00 - Free time 15:00-17:00 - Practical training with the Ostrenko brothers. 18:00-19:00 - Dinner. 19:00 - IUGTE Conference opening and first meeting. December 19, 20, 21: Conference program: practical workshops, presentations, works-in-progress, lectures and discussions. The conference program will run a full day with breaks between presentations and breaks for meals. The registered participants will receive a detailed daily schedule. December 22: 8:00-9:00 - Breakfast 9:00 - Check-out and departure.

Secure Your Place

Early registration until 26.09.2025 - €450 (instead of €550). Registration closes 06.12.2025.

Participant selection - based on portfolio and motivation.

Schloss Laubegg (Laubegg Castle), Austria

Venue & Atmosphere

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric beauty of a 13th-century Austrian castle, where stone walls have witnessed centuries of stories. Surrounded by pristine forests, mountain views, and wandering deer, Laubegg Castle creates the perfect retreat for artistic exploration.

​​

Living the Artist's Life:

  • Private accommodations in castle rooms

  • Three daily meals featuring traditional Austrian cuisine

  • Studio spaces designed for intensive physical work

  • Evening gatherings

Laubegg Castle, Austria, Performing arts conference, IUGTE conference
Laubegg Castle, Austria, Performing arts conference, IUGTE conference
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What Makes IPTL Different

We have been organizing the International Physical Theatre Laboratory (IPTL) since 2000

✓ Dual Format: Intensive training + academic conference in one journey
✓ The Ostrenko Method: Exclusive access to this approach
✓ 25-Year Legacy: Proven track record of transforming careers
✓ Castle Setting: Immersive environment impossible to replicate
✓ Global Community: Instant network across 30+ countries
✓ Affordable Excellence: Premium training at accessible pricing

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Voices from the Laboratory

Testimonials

I have participated twice at the Physical Theatre Lab and Conference in Austria, once in 2022, and this year also. The workshop is amazing! In 2022, I have learned new exercises and techniques, that helped me in my work and creation in the past two years, and this year the program was updated, so I had the opportunity to learn and experience more movement exercises and techniques. I really enjoy learning and working with Sergei, and his approach is something that every performer should experience. The Conference was amazing! Amazing actors, dancers, performers, directors and university professor! It was really inspiring! And the best thing in this event is the network that you can establish during those 9 days! Thank you NIPAI for the perfect organization of this event! Looking forward to come and participate third time :)

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Bojan Lazarov, North Macedonia
Google Maps review

I participated in a 5 day Physical theatre Lab with the Ostrenko brothers. I really appreciated the ‘do first, ask later’-approach, giving us the possibility to our own experience. Loved the mix of exercises and the build up to show cases. I am very much inspired by the content of the workshop itself, just as well as the method of teaching. A big bright star for the international aspect: it is always wonderful to meet people from all over the world. The mix of different backgrounds - artistic, cultural, geographical and linguistic - enhances and deepens our understanding of ourselves and others, both as humans and as artists. A special thanks for all the pictures and videos taken by NIPAI and shared with us participants! Summarizing the Conference ‘Performing Arts between Tradition and Contemporaneity' organised by International University Global Theatre Experience (IUGTE), hosted by the NIPAI, at Laubegg Castle, Austria: Throughout these 3 days, I’ve been taken on beautiful and heartfelt artistic journeys through different mediums - from poetic movement to traditional, fusioned and aerial dance - performed by talented artists from all over the world. I’ve tried new things in workshops led by experts in their fields - dance, voice tremoring, movement exercises, lifts. And I’ve listened to insightful talks about new tech, symbolism, masks, work behind the movie sets, as well as interesting approaches on characterisation, power dynamics and audience engagement. And last, but certainly not least, I’ve met incredible people - insightful, warm, open, generous, creative people - from so many places on our precious pale blue dot. I leave Laubegg Castle inspired, grateful and looking forward to our next meet 💖

Nathalie Drakemyr.png

Nathalie Drakemyr, Sweden
Google Maps review

I participated in the Physical Theatre Lab with the Ostrenko brothers and the Conference at Laubegg Castle and it was one of the best experiences I have had. The approach and method of the Ostrenko brothers and their incredible leadership are definitely able to combine a huge amount of techniques with the opportunity to look at our own creation and experience art in a deeper way. I believe that every artist should experience this, what they offer to the world of arts is truly something very special. The opportunity to "try it out before asking questions" also allowed me to access important places to understand what I was truly experiencing with the exercises. Regardless of the level of complexity of the exercises, from the simplest to the most complex, it is possible to take a deep dive into your art and learn every second from what you experience there. The Conference was an incredible opportunity to connect different cultures and artists, and Laubegg Castle is an amazing place. The creative atmosphere where we lived for so many days and the contact with so many artists from so many different cultures was something very rich in all aspects. I'll definitely be back for the next ones. Being there exceeded all my expectations in every aspect, I left nourished in body and soul and very grateful to the teachers and organizers of this amazing event. Thank you to Nipai for being a port for anchoring creative work and for promoting a unique experience in the life of any artist!

Raisa Latoraca.png

Raisa Latorraca, Brazil
Google Maps review

Registration Conf

Join International Physical Theatre Lab (IPTL 2025)

Registration Details

​​Dates: December 13-22, 2025
Venue: Laubegg Castle, Austria
Early registration: €450 until 26.09.2025
Standard fee: €550 (until 06.12.2025)
Certificate: Available

Limited places available. Selection based on portfolio and motivation.

Visa Support for International Participants

If needed, we can prepare an invitation letter to assist with visa applications after payment of the fee. We recommend applying no later than October.

Travel, accommodation, and meals are arranged individually by each presenter. We can assist with booking on-site accommodation (rooms single/twin) at Schloss Laubegg (Laubegg Castle), which includes three meals per day. Prices for accommodation and full board are set by Schloss Laubegg. Details>

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About Physical Theatre Training The International Physical Theatre Laboratory represents the evolution of theatre lab traditions. Our approach to physical theatre workshop methodology integrates contemporary theatre biomechanics with traditional performance techniques, creating a unique theatre laboratory experience. As a leading European theatre lab, we offer intensive physical theatre classes that address the question "what is physical theatre?" through practical exploration. Our theatre lab camp format combines the rigor of professional theatre dance lab training with the experimental spirit of contemporary theatre research lab approaches. This physical theatre intensive serves performers asking "what are the principles of physical theatre?" and "how does physical theatre tell story?" Through daily practice, participants discover how physical storytelling transcends language barriers, learning what are the key elements of physical theatre through embodied experience.

Do I need previous physical theatre experience? While beneficial, it's not required. We welcome performers from all backgrounds ready for intensive physical work.

Is financial aid available? Limited partial scholarships available for exceptional candidates. Student group discounts automatically applied.

Can I attend just part of the program? Yes! Choose Laboratory only, Conference only, or the complete experience. Contact Us.

What about accommodation and meals - what’s included? Accommodation and dining are arranged by participants; the page provides directions to Laubegg Castle and practical information on lodging and meals nearby. Registration covers the conference program; travel and accommodation are separate.

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